Official Sightseeing
Tours of Scotland since 1907

Day 2 - Glasgow - Loch Lomond - Ballachulish

Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views of the Highlands. Then travel across the mountains for time to explore the delightful town of Inveraray before visiting Inveraray Castle, which enjoyed a starring role in Downton Abbey. This imposing Campbell family home with four conical spires was built between 1746 and 1789. A guided tour will reveal the history of the family and region as you view the magnificent Armoury Hall and many fine rooms with tapestries, porcelains and portraits. Journey across extensive Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells' massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692, to Ballachulish on the coast.

Overnight: Ballachulish Hotel/Isle of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish (or similar)

Day 3 - Ballachulish - Isle of Skye - Nairn

This morning head north via Fort William and take the "Road to the Isles” through some of Scotland's loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. At Mallaig cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye, sometimes called the "Misty Isle" due to the showers that are sometimes brought by Atlantic breezes. Visit Armadale Castle to discover the history of the Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Drive through Sleat, known as the "Garden of Skye" and return to the mainland by bridge, stopping for photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Then drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, famous for its monster. Continue to your hotel in Nairn, an impressive manor house property set in spacious grounds near the North Sea.

Overnight: The Newton Hotel, Nairn (or similar)

Day 4 - Nairn - Culloden Moor - Pitlochry

A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre. Learn about the battle which took place on 16th April 1746 when British Government troops defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly named Bonnie Prince Charlie, in just one hour. The award-winning Visitor Centre shows the background to this bloody battle and you can walk around the moorland to see various memorials to the fallen. This battle changed the traditional Highland way of life amongst the clans forever. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Drive south through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry and take a brief tour of this historic hotel and its museum. 

Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 5 - Excursion to Blair Castle and Blair Athol Distillery

A short drive will bring you to Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to 1269, the castle has been transformed through the ages, from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle in the baronial style. These influences can still be seen today across the 30 rooms on full display. You will learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and how a stay by Queen Victoria led to the creation of Europe's only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Visit Blair Athol Distillery to learn about the simple ingredients and many steps involved in whisky making. Tour the facilities and sample a "wee dram” at the end of the tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the gardens, hotel museum and other facilities or browse around the town of Pitlochry, within easy walking distance. 

Day 6 - Pitlochry - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Travel south through the lush countryside of Angus to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of "Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This is a majestic building which is filled with contrasting priceless artefacts and homely furnishings. Drive across the silvery River Tay by the modern bridge to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf.” See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. Why not take time to visit the British Golf Museum and browse the golf speciality shops or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. This is the location of the oldest university in Scotland which is where William and Kate met! Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. In the evening enjoy a lively Scottish Evening with dinner and entertainment.

Overnight: MacDonald Holyrood Hotel/Norton Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Castle

This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along The Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that separates the two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings, the fabulous Scottish Crown Jewels and enjoy splendid views of Edinburgh. The balance of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping and dining. On 29 July to 19 August departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle esplanade.

Day 8 - Tour Ends at Edinburgh Airport

Sadly our tour ends today. If you are flying home there are group transfers to Edinburgh International Airport which will arrive at 6:30 am or 9:00 am. A transfer to Glasgow Airport can be arranged in advance at extra cost.